Open Brainstorming Invitation

From: Dave Brook
Sent: Friday, January 30, 2004 1:03 AM
To: WorldCarshare@yahoogroups.com
Subject: US Carsharing: Coalition concept Canada.

Greetings,

The carsharing sessions at this year's TRB were energizing for me. Since last summer, when I transitioned from Flexcar to being an independent consultant, one of the things I've been reminded of is the value of a national organization that a national organization might serve as a focal point for all of us to work together to lower the barriers to expanding carsharing in the US and Canada. Many of you will recall that 2+ years ago we discussed this exact topic at the Atlanta carsharing conference, but after a couple of conference calls, everyone was so busy that the momentum was lost. As an independent consultant I have the time to invest to help get this off the ground and am willing to devote the next 6 months or so to see how far we can get.

Below is a draft of some basic concepts for an ad hoc coalition to the ball rolling, along with some things that might be done over the next few months. This time around I want to avoid a mistake that was made after Atlanta - getting too bogged down in organizational details like non-profit status, fiscal agents, etc.

I'd like your help in two areas: o tell me a few things I can help facilitate (or do) in the next 6 months that would be greatest value to your and your organization (or lay the groundwork for it) o forward this message to EVERYONE you think would be interested - vendors, government agencies, car manufacturers, competitors, etc.

After a couple of rounds of emails I'll set up a conference call and we can talk about specifics. Feel free to forward this email to anyone you feel might have something to contribute. I look forward to hearing from you soon. Thank you.

Dave Brook
Carsharing Consultant
1905 NE Clackamas Street
Portland, OR 97232
503-313-1320 (Pacific Time)
dbrook@easystreet.com

Concept for National Carsharing Coalition

Goal:

Objectives:

• Develop a political agenda to secure federal policies favorable to the growth of carsharing in the US. This might include tax credit for carsharing memberships under an energy efficiency tax credit; and/or business deduction of costs, similar to parking expenses, transit passes etc. (Initially I see the role of the coalition to agree on the agenda and getting keeping participants informed about political developments/opportunities, with the individual CSOs doing most of the actual lobbying.
• Seek lower prices for goods and services needed by CSOs through joint purchasing arrangements; e.g. insurance, towing service, others?
• Network with other like-minded organizations (e.g. state/local agencies seeking information, technology vendors, bicycling, transit, pedestrian, carfree city groups, etc.)

Short Term Tasks:

• Convene a steering committee to provide direction on specific tasks.
• Prepare and distribute a monthly Carsharing Update email newsletter - includes alerts of relevant conferences, political bills, policies, summaries (and links) to domestic and international media coverage, reports, programs, etc. about carsharing, contributions from CSOs in the US, Canada and Europe about their operations, strategies, activities of other organizations (bike, ped, etc.)
• Explore joint purchase of insurance with brokers
• Develop basic fact sheets & info for a web site (possibly via Carsharing.Net) in areas such as: benefits of CS in air quality, parking, sustainability etc.
• Develop and market a full line of generic carsharing logo apparel on E-Bay, including hats, polo and t-shirts, underwear, refrigerator magnets, bumper stickers, pens, note pads, and canvas bags (this is a joke to see if you've actually read this far!)

Have a comment or suggestion? This is the place to share your ideas with the group as a whole. Otherwise you can reach Dave Brook here with a private note. (Please label as Subject: US Carsharing Coalition concept. Thank you.)

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